McClure postpones spring Youth Advisory Council

In light of the current coronavirus outbreak and orders from the Secretary of State, State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is postponing his spring Youth Advisory Council meeting.

“The Illinois Secretary of State has ordered that no large groups of visitors come to the Capitol complex at least until April 1^st, which I believe is a reasonable precaution,” said Senator McClure. “While we could potentially find an alternate site for the event, out of an abundance of caution, I am postponing the event. On April 1^st we will reevaluate the situation.”

McClure’s Youth Advisory Council is a program designed to engage high school students in the process of state government. The students learn about public service from local leaders in the fall and propose ideas for new legislation. In the spring, the students gather at the Capitol, where they meet with professionals involved in the lawmaking process, then they conduct a mock committee hearing on their proposed legislation. The spring event was scheduled for March 25^th.

“Working with young people to get them interested in public service is one of my favorite parts of my job as a legislator, so I remain optimistic that we may be able to put together another date later in the year,” said McClure. “In the meantime, we should all do everything we can to help prevent the spread of coronavirus. I urge people to please follow the advice of health professionals in this trying time.”

The CDC has some useful tips to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Illinois Department of Public Health has established a statewide COVID-19 hotline (1-800-889-3931) and website for questions or concerns.